The need for assisted ventilation corroborates the effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in preventing premature lamb mortality.

In premature births, deficiency and/or inactivation of surfactant and incomplete development of lung occur, leading to pulmonary complications and greater need for ventilatory interventions. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy is used to improve neonatal lung function and, thus, may reduce mortality and lower incidence and severity of lung injury. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the need for ventilatory support in preterm lambs subjected or not to prenatal betamethasone treatment, and to evaluate the effectiveness on neonatal survival. Lambing was induced and 13 premature lambs were assigned to Corticosteroid Group (n = 8; lambs from ewes subjected previously to 0.5 mg/kg betamethasone, IM, at 133 days of pregnancy) and Control Group (n = 5; non-treated lambs). Lambs were evaluated for vitality, neurologic reflexes, vital functions and birth weight. Three ventilatory modalities were preconized for critical lambs, according to specific criteria: mask oxygen therapy, self-inflating bag with tracheal tube and mechanical ventilation. Non-treated lambs had lower vitality score, muscle tonus and respiratory rate compared to Corticosteroid Group. Ventilatory support was needed for 3 Control lambs and only 1 Corticosteroid neonate. Corticosteroid lamb required significant less time-frame between birth and onset of ventilatory assistance and remained under ventilation for a shorter time. Percentage of ventilated non-treated lambs correlated negatively with birth weight, muscle tone, heart and respiratory rate. In conclusion, antenatal betamethasone treatment reduces the need for ventilatory assistance in premature lambs. Additionally, mortality is low when a protocol for inducing pulmonary maturity (maternal corticosteroid therapy) and/or ventilatory interventions are employed, ensuring the survival of premature lambs.

Reporte de caso de dengue clásico a predominio de sintomatología dermatológica en el marco de la epidemia en la provincia de Misiones 2023-2024 / Case of classic dengue with predominance of dermatologic symptoms in the 2023-2024 epidemic in the province of Misiones

Se presenta un caso femenino de dengue clásico (DC) en el marco de la epidemia 2023-2024 en la provincia de Misiones, con predominio de síntomas dermatológicos de exantemas máculo papulosos, habonosos y eritrodérmicos sobre los síntomas sindrómicos cardinales. Las lesiones presentan componente humoral y de extravasación, sin diátesis ni componentes purpúricos apreciables, presentando una rápida y efectiva evolución al eritema y la normalización con tratamiento antihistamínico y corticoide parenteral. De la misma manera se evalúan alteraciones analíticas hematológicas y hepáticas de gran magnitud, con escasa repercusión clínica, que se mensuran en función del riesgo relativo al dengue hemorrágico (DH) y el pronóstico de la paciente. (AU)

A female case of classic dengue (DC) is presented in the context of the 2023-2024 epidemic in the province of Misiones, with a predominance of dermatologic symptoms of maculopapular, hives, and erythrodermic rashes overlapping the cardinal syndromic symptoms. The lesions have a humoral and extravasation component, without any significant diathesis or purpuric components, showing rapid and effective progression to erythema and normalization with antihistamine and parenteral corticosteroid treatment. Similarly, hematologic and hepatic analytical alterations of great magnitude are evaluated, with little clinical impact, measured in terms of relative risk for hemorrhagic dengue (HD) and the prognosis of the patient. (AU)

[Prenatal rescue dose of betamethasone in the preterm infant with intrauterine growth restriction]. / Dosis prenatal de rescate de betametasona en el prematuro con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino.

Antenatal corticosteroids reduce mortality and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm newborns. These benefits decrease after a week of administration, recommending a rescue therapy if there is a new threat of premature delivery. Repeated administration of antenatal corticosteroids may have deleterious effects and their benefits are controversial in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). OBJECTIVE: to verify the effects in the IUGR population of antenatal betamethasone rescue therapy on neonatal morbidity and mortality, RDS, and neurodevelopment at 2 years. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study including ≤ 34 weeks and ≤ 1,500g preterm newborns divided according to antenatal betamethasone exposure: Single-cycle (2 doses) vs Rescue therapy (3 doses). Subgroups were created for those ≥ 30 weeks. Both cohorts were followed up to 24 months of corrected age. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)® was administered to assess neurodevelopment. RESULTS: 62 preterm infants with a diagnosis of IUGR were included. The rescue therapy group compared with the single-dose group showed no differences in morbidity and mortality and less intubation rate at birth (p = 0.02), with no differences in respiratory support at 7 days of life. Preterm newborns ≥ 30 weeks exposed to rescue therapy showed higher morbidity and mortality (p = 0.03) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p = 0.02), showing no differences in RDS. The rescue therapy group showed worse mean scores on the ASQ-3 scale, with no significant differences in cerebral palsy or sensory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Rescue therapy reduces intubation at birth but does not reduce morbidity and mortality. However, at > 30 weeks, this benefit is not observed and the IUGR population exposed to rescue therapy presented more BPD and lower scores on the ASQ-3 scale at 2 years. Future studies should be aimed at the individualization of antenatal corticosteroid therapy.

Betamethasone for Preterm Birth: Auckland Steroid Trial Full Results and New Insights 50 Years on.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to use modern analysis and reporting methods to present the full results of the first randomized trial of antenatal corticosteroids, performed 50 years ago. STUDY DESIGN: In this single-center trial, women at risk of preterm birth at 24 to less than 37 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive 2 doses of betamethasone or placebo, 24 hours apart. Women and their caregivers were blinded to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was respiratory distress syndrome. Secondary outcomes included measures of neonatal mortality and morbidity, mode of birth, and maternal infection. RESULTS: Between 1969 and 1974, 1115 women (1142 pregnancies) were randomized, 560 pregnancies (601 infants) to betamethasone and 582 (617 infants) to placebo. The risk of respiratory distress syndrome was significantly reduced in the betamethasone group compared with placebo (8.8% vs 14.4%, adjusted relative risk 0.62, 95% CI 0.45-0.86, P = .004). Subgroup analyses indicated greater efficacy in male than female infants but no effect of tocolytic therapy or doubling of betamethasone dose. Fetal or neonatal death, neonatal or maternal infection, neonatal hypoglycaemia, cesarean delivery, and lactation status at discharge were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal betamethasone administered to women at risk of preterm birth between 24 and less than 37 weeks of gestation reduces the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, with greater effect in male than in female infants. Doubling the dose of betamethasone does not provide additional benefit.

Associação fixa de hidrato de calcipotriol e dipropionato de betametasona para psoríase vulgar após falha de corticoide tópico isolado / Fixed association of calcipotriol hydrate and betamethasone dipropionate for psoriasis vulgaris after failure of topical corticosteroid alone

INTRODUÇÃO: A psoríase vulgar, também conhecida como psoríase em placas, é uma doença inflamatória crônica que impacta significativamente na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos acometidos. Trata-se do tipo de psoríase mais prevalente na população (75-90%), caracterizada por lesões cutâneas localizadas principalmente nos joelhos, cotovelos, couro cabeludo e região lombossacra. O tratamento de primeira linha consiste na administração de medicamentos pela via tópica, incluindo ceratolíticos, emolientes e corticoides, isolados ou em associação. Contudo, após a falha terapêutica com corticoide tópico, recomenda-se a associação de análogos de vitamina D (ex: calcipotriol) ao esquema terapêutico, considerando que estudos prévios apontaram a superioridade, em termos de eficácia, desta combinação em relação à monoterapia com qualquer um eles. Porém, considerando que a adesão ao tratamento contribui significativamente para o sucesso do tratamento, a associação fixa de calcipotriol e corticoide, com uma única aplicação diária, pode representar uma estratégia terapêutica mais viável. TECNOLOGIA: Hidrato de Calcipotriol + Dipropionato de Betametasona pomada (Daivobet®). PERGUNTA: A associação de hidrato de calcipotriol + dipropionato de betametasona pomada é eficaz, segura e viável e

Intralesional betamethasone versus triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of localized alopecia areata: a within-patient randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Betamethasone can be used for intralesional infiltration, but there is little evidence in the literature to indicate its effectiveness in alopecia areata. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of the use of different doses of intralesional betamethasone, when compared to triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of alopecia areata. METHODS: We recruited 12 patients with alopecia patch divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant, after randomization, received an intralesional injection with one of the following treatments: triamcinolone acetonide 2.5 mg/ml, betamethasone 0.375 mg/ml, betamethasone 1.75 mg/ml, or 0.9% saline (placebo). The intervention was repeated in the same quadrant every 4 weeks, totaling 3 sessions. Visual and dermoscopic evaluation of the results were performed. Trial registration: ReBec RBR-5kyg2r. RESULTS: At 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, triamcinolone acetonide 2.5 mg/ml provided the best visual results. Nevertheless, at the end of the study, the best visual results were seen with both triamcinolone acetonide and betamethasone 1.75 mg/ml, with significant difference when compared to betamethasone 0.375 mg/ml and placebo (p=.0489 and <.0001, respectively). There was a progressive reduction in the number of dystrophic hairs in all quadrants. CONCLUSION: Triamcinolone acetonide shows earlier results in repilation, but at 12 weeks betamethasone 1.75 mg/ml had similar results.

Antenatal Risk Factors Associated with Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation in Preterm Infants Receiving Postnatal Indomethacin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if antenatal variables affect the risk of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) among preterm infants when prophylactic indomethacin is used. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study of infants <29 weeks of gestational age between January 2010 and June 2018 at one hospital. SIP was defined as acute abdominal distension and pneumoperitoneum without signs of necrotizing enterocolitis at <14 days of life. Each case (n = 57) was matched with 2 controls (n = 114) for gestational age and birth year. Maternal and infant data were abstracted until the SIP or equivalent day for controls. Univariate analyses were followed by adjusted conditional logistic regressions and reported as OR and 95% CI. RESULTS: Mothers of cases were younger, more often delivering multiples (31% vs 14%, P = .007), and less abruptions (15% vs 29%, P = .045) but did not differ in intra-partum betamethasone, magnesium, or indomethacin use. Prophylactic indomethacin was given on day 1 to 99% of infants. SIP was associated with a shorter interval from last betamethasone dose to delivery (46 hours vs 96 hours, P = .01). Dopamine use (14% vs 4%, P = .02), volume expansion (23% vs 8%, P = .003), and high grade intraventricular hemorrhage (28% vs 8%, P = .0008) were related postnatal factors. The adjusted odds of SIP increased by 1% for each hour decrease between the last dose of betamethasone and delivery (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002-1.019) and with multiple births (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.05-6.77). CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal betamethasone given shortly before delivery is associated with an increased risk of SIP. Potential interaction with medications such as postnatal indomethacin needs study.

Corticoides sistémicos en COVID-19 / Systemic corticosteroids in COVID-19

CONTEXTO CLÍNICO: La Enfermedad por el Coronavirus 2019 (COVID­19, por su sigla en inglés Coronavirus Disease 2019) es una enfermedad respiratoria de humanos producida por un nuevo coronavirus identificado con la sigla SARS-CoV-2. El 11 de marzo de 2020 la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaro la COVID-19 como una pandemia. Desde ese momento hasta el 15 de junio su circulación se ha reportado en 205 países reportándose más de 7.800.000 casos y la muerte 430.000 personas. El período de incubación de la infección es de 2 a 14 días. La mayor parte de los contagios se producen persona a persona, siendo altamente transmisible.(3) La clínica varía desde casos asintomáticos a cuadros febriles con tos y dificultad respiratoria, neumonía y distrés respiratorio. También puede acompañarse de alteraciones gastrointestinales. En los casos con mal pronóstico, el paciente presenta un importante deterioro respiratorio en 4-8 días. Las imágenes radiológicas muestran generalmente neumonía focal o generalizada semejante al síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo. (3) La mayoría de los casos graves requieren ingreso hospitalario, siendo mayoritariamente casos primarios en pacientes de edad avanzada y con comorbilidades (diabetes, enfermedad crónica renal, hipertensión, enfermedad cardiaca y enfermedad pulmonar crónica). La tasa media de letalidad de los pacientes ingresados a UTI es cercana al 49%, siendo los valores más elevados en pacientes masculinos de más de 50 años con comorbilidades múltiples. Actualmente el tratamiento de la COVID­19 es sintomático y de sostén no existiendo hasta el momento tratamiento farmacológico específico curativo. Debido a la evidencia que sugiere que el daño pulmonar agudo observado en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 estaría asociada a la activación de las células inmunes circulantes, incluyendo células T y las citoquinas que conducen a un síndrome de liberación de citoquinas (similar al síndrome de activación macrofágica y hemofagocítico) por lo que se plantea que el uso de corticoides sistémicos podría disminuir la mortalidad y/o necesidad de soporte ventilatorio invasivo. TECNOLOGÍA: Los glucocorticoides (GCS) son una familia de medicamentos antiinflamatorios e inmunomoduladores que se utilizan en el tratamiento de diversas patologías cuyo principal componente etiopatogénico es la inflamación. Dentro de los mecanismos de acción propuestos se encuentran: inhibición de citoquinas inflamatorias (IL-1 y IL-2), inhibición de la migración de leucocitaria, inhibición de la desgranulación de mastocitos, depleción linfocitaria (principalmente linfocitos T), incremento de citoquinas anti-inflamatorias (IL-10). Dentro de las alternativas para la administración sistémica se pueden mencionar a la hidrocortisona, dexametasona, betametasona, prednisona, prednisolona, metilprednisolona y deflazacort. Todos ellos difieren principalmente en el grado de actividad mineralocorticorticoide y vida media. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente informe es evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguridad y aspectos relacionados a las políticas de cobertura del uso de corticoides sistémicos en COVID­19. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas, en buscadores genéricos de internet, y financiadores de salud. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas (RS), ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS), evaluaciones económicas, guías de práctica clínica (GPC) y recomendaciones de diferentes organizaciones de salud. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un ECA, una RS, dos estudios observacionales, un documento de evaluación de tecnología sanitaria, 12 guías de práctica clínica, recomendaciones de organismos gubernamentales o sociedades científicas acerca del uso de corticoides sistémicos en pacientes con diagnóstico de COVID­19. CONCLUSIONES: Evidencia de alta calidad proveniente de los resultados de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado aún no publicado sugiere que el uso de corticoides sistémicos se asocia a una disminución en el riesgo de mortalidad principalmente en pacientes con requerimientos de oxigeno suplementario o asistencia mecánica invasiva. Evidencia de muy baja calidad también sugiere que podría tener el mismo beneficio en aquellos pacientes con COVID-19 que presentan síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo. Múltiples ensayos clínicos aleatorizados en pacientes con cuadros moderados o severos se encuentran en curso. Las guías de práctica clínica de diferentes sociedades internacionales y organismos gubernamentales que lo recomiendan indican su utilización para el tratamiento de pacientes con criterios de síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo. Si bien no se encontraron estudios de costo-efectividad en Latinoamérica, el costo total del tratamiento al igual que su impacto presupuestario sería muy bajo.

Morphometric and functional pulmonary changes of premature neonatal puppies after antenatal corticoid therapy.

Among prematurity complications, the most important disorder is structural immaturity and inadequate production of pulmonary surfactant. Betamethasone is the drug of choice to artificially improve pulmonary capacity, thus we aimed to verify the effect of prenatal maternal treatment on lung development of premature puppies. Pregnant bitches were allocated in Term Group (n = 7), Preterm-Treated Group (interrupted pregnancies with maternal administration of betamethasone; n = 7), Preterm-Control Group (untreated interrupted pregnancies; n = 7), Extremely-Preterm Group (interrupted pregnancies at 55d; n = 6). Puppies were subjected to chest radiographic at birth, morphometric description of pulmonary structures and immunohistochemical analysis of surfactant protein B, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cytokeratin were performed. In Preterm-Treated Group it was possible to more clearly identify cardiac silhouette and lung parenchyma by X-Ray. Saccular formation was higher in Preterm Groups, while Term Group had higher subsaccular development. Lung septation was higher in Treated and Term Groups. Term Group had higher number of cells marked for SP-B, whereas higher proliferation was observed in Extreme-Preterm and Preterm-Control Groups. Preterm Treated and Term Groups had higher tissue differentiation. In conclusion, antenatal maternal corticotherapy in dogs acted by increasing lung morphology and development of areas of gas exchange, regulate metabolism of pulmonary fluids rather than stimulate surfactant production.

Psoríase com manifestação oral exclusiva / Psorías con manifestación bucal exclusiva / Exclusively oral psoriasis

RESUMO Introdução: a psoríase é uma doença inflamatória crônica e recorrente da pele que raramente ocorre apenas e primariamente na mucosa bucal. Objetivo: A descrever um caso de psoríase primária na mucosa bucal. Apresentação do caso: Um paciente de 16 anos de idade relatou uma "mancha que fez com que se sentisse desconfortável". O paciente apresentava uma placa leucoplásica, exofítica e uma úlcera. Na histopatologia e com as características clínicas, a suspeita de mucosite psoriasiforme foi confirmada. O tratamento escolhido para as lesões da psoríase foi a aplicação tópica de valerato de betametasona 1 mg/g por três semanas. Após duas semanas de tratamento, o paciente retornou para reavaliação clínica e foi observado sucesso na terapêutica. Conclusões: A presença de psoríase exclusiva na cavidade bucal é uma entidade rara. A apresentação clínica variada e a ausência de alterações locais ou sistêmicas associadas foram elementos-chave na suspeição diagnóstica. A abordagem por meio de cirurgia para remoção da lesão exofítica e o uso de betametasona tópica permitiram o controle locorregional(AU)

RESUMEN Introducción: La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica y recurrente de la piel y que en rara ocasión ocurre única y por primaria vez en mucosa bucal. Objetivo: Describir un caso de psoriasis primaria en mucosa bucal. Presentación de caso: Paciente de 16 años de edad consultada que refirió una "mancha que incomodaba al comer". La paciente presentaba una placa leucoplásica, exofítica y una úlcera. En la histopatología y con las características clínicas, se confirmó la sospechosa de mucositis psoriasiforme. El tratamiento elegido para las lesiones de psoriasis fue la aplicación tópica de valerato de betametasona 1 mg/g durante tres semanas. Después de dos semanas de tratamiento la paciente retornó para reevaluación clínica y se constató éxito en la terapéutica escogida. Conclusiones: la presencia de psoriasis exclusiva en la cavidad bucal es una entidad poco frecuente. La presentación clínica variada y la ausencia de alteraciones locales o sistémicas asociadas fueron elementos clave en la sospecha diagnóstica. El abordaje por medio de cirugía para remoción de la lesión exofítica y utilización de betametasona tópica posibilitó el control locorregional(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and recurrent skin disease that rarely occurs solely and primarily in the oral mucosa. Objective: Describe a case of primary psoriasis of the oral mucosa. Case presentation: A 16-year-old female patient attends consultation and reports "a spot that hurts when eating." Clinical observation revealed the presence of leukoplastic, exophytic plaque and an ulcer. Histopathological examination confirmed the suspicion of psoriasiform mucositis. The treatment chosen for the psoriatic lesions was topical application of betamethasone valerate 1 mg/g for three weeks. After two weeks of treatment, the patient returned for clinical reassessment and the treatment applied was found to have been successful. Conclusions: Exclusively oral psoriasis is an uncommon condition. Multi-faceted clinical presentation and the absence of local or systemic associated alterations were key elements in the diagnostic suspicion. Surgical removal of the exophytic lesion and application of topical betamethasone led to locoregional control(AU)

Envenomation by an opisthoglyphous snake, Erythrolamprus aesculapii (Dipsadidae), in southeastern Brazil.

Snakebites by aglyphous or opisthoglyphous snakes are common in Brazil. We report a case of snakebite by the opisthoglyphous Erythrolamprus aesculapii. The victim presented with pain, edema, and bleeding at the bite site, along with erythema, similar to a Bothrops envenomation. In this type of snakebite, if the snake is not brought to the hospital, the victim may receive unnecessary serum therapy, with the risk of adverse reactions to the antivenom. The possibility of reducing after-effects with anti-inflammatory drugs and early antibiotic therapy for secondary infection need to be further investigated, preferably in multicenter studies, while observing good clinical practice.

Pancreatic multifocal necrosis in female cat: case report / Necrose multifocal pancreática em gata: relato de caso

Pancreatitis is the inflammatory process of the exocrine pancreas, with necrosis and fibrosis as the main structural alterations. Felines may present the acute and chronic forms of the disease. A domestic, female, undefined feline (srd) was taken to a Private Veterinary Hospital in the city of Guarulhos, state of São Paulo. The animal had signs of apathy, prostration, inappetence, anorexia and bilateral exposure of the third eyelid. After the physical examination, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical exams. Abdominal ultrasonography was also requested, where reverberation was detected in the region of the intestinal loop, hyperechogenicity of the duodenal wall and reverberation of the pancreas. According to the results of the blood tests and ultrasonographic findings, we opted for exploratory laparotomy. During the surgical procedure a pancreatic fragment was collected for histopathological analysis. The histopathologic result was compatible with moderate multifocal pancreatic necrosis. Therefore, was instituted antibiotic therapy with Enrofloxacin (5 mg / kg, BID, IM for 5 days), analgesia with Tramadol Hydrochloride (2 mg/kg, BID, IV for 4 days) and Betamethasone (0.3 mg/kg, SID, IV). After the beginning of treatment with corticosteroid, the animal began to improve and eat. Many cases are diagnosed as acute or chronic pancreatitis only due to changes in pancreatic enzymes and ultrasonographic changes in the pancreas, using histopathological examination, which is a more instructive technique. It is very likely that pancreatic necrosis is not a pathology of low incidence, but rather poorly diagnosed due to difficulties in performing a biopsy.(AU)

A pancreatite é o processo inflamatório do pâncreas exócrino, tendo a necrose e a fibrose como principais alterações estruturais. Felinos podem apresentar as formas aguda e crônica da doença. Foi levado a um Hospital Veterinário Particular na cidade de Guarulhos, estado de São Paulo, um felino doméstico, fêmea, sem raça definida (srd). O animal apresentava sinais de apatia, prostração, inapetência, anorexia e exposição bilateral da terceira pálpebra. Após o exame físico, foi feita coleta de sangue para realização de exames hematológicos e bioquímicos. Foram solicitados ainda ultrassonografia abdominal, onde foi detectada reverberação em região de alça intestinal, hiperecogenicidade de parede duodenal e reverberação de pâncreas. De acordo com os resultados dos exames de sangue e os achados ultrassonográficos, optou-se pela laparotomia exploratória. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico foi coletado um fragmento pancreático para análise histopatológica. O resultado do histopatológico foi compatível com necrose pancreática multifocal moderada. Sendo assim, foi instituída antibióticoterapia com Enrofloxacina (5 mg/kg, BID, IM, durante 5 dias), analgesia com Cloridrato de Tramadol (2 mg/kg, BID, IV, durante 4 dias) e Betametasona (0,3 mg/kg, SID, IV). Após o início do tratamento com corticosteróide, o animal começou a apresentar melhora, voltando a se alimentar. Muitos casos são diagnosticados como pancreatite aguda ou crônica apenas por conta das alterações em enzimas pancreáticas e alterações ultrassonográficas em pâncreas, lançando mão do exame histopatológico, que é uma técnica mais elucidativa. Muito provável que a necrose pancreática não seja uma patologia de baixa incidência, e sim, pouco diagnosticada, devido às dificuldades em se realizar biópsia.(AU)

Pancreatic multifocal necrosis in female cat: case report / Necrose multifocal pancreática em gata: relato de caso

Pancreatitis is the inflammatory process of the exocrine pancreas, with necrosis and fibrosis as the main structural alterations. Felines may present the acute and chronic forms of the disease. A domestic, female, undefined feline (srd) was taken to a Private Veterinary Hospital in the city of Guarulhos, state of São Paulo. The animal had signs of apathy, prostration, inappetence, anorexia and bilateral exposure of the third eyelid. After the physical examination, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical exams. Abdominal ultrasonography was also requested, where reverberation was detected in the region of the intestinal loop, hyperechogenicity of the duodenal wall and reverberation of the pancreas. According to the results of the blood tests and ultrasonographic findings, we opted for exploratory laparotomy. During the surgical procedure a pancreatic fragment was collected for histopathological analysis. The histopathologic result was compatible with moderate multifocal pancreatic necrosis. Therefore, was instituted antibiotic therapy with Enrofloxacin (5 mg / kg, BID, IM for 5 days), analgesia with Tramadol Hydrochloride (2 mg/kg, BID, IV for 4 days) and Betamethasone (0.3 mg/kg, SID, IV). After the beginning of treatment with corticosteroid, the animal began to improve and eat. Many cases are diagnosed as acute or chronic pancreatitis only due to changes in pancreatic enzymes and ultrasonographic changes in the pancreas, using histopathological examination, which is a more instructive technique. It is very likely that pancreatic necrosis is not a pathology of low incidence, but rather poorly diagnosed due to difficulties in performing a biopsy.

A pancreatite é o processo inflamatório do pâncreas exócrino, tendo a necrose e a fibrose como principais alterações estruturais. Felinos podem apresentar as formas aguda e crônica da doença. Foi levado a um Hospital Veterinário Particular na cidade de Guarulhos, estado de São Paulo, um felino doméstico, fêmea, sem raça definida (srd). O animal apresentava sinais de apatia, prostração, inapetência, anorexia e exposição bilateral da terceira pálpebra. Após o exame físico, foi feita coleta de sangue para realização de exames hematológicos e bioquímicos. Foram solicitados ainda ultrassonografia abdominal, onde foi detectada reverberação em região de alça intestinal, hiperecogenicidade de parede duodenal e reverberação de pâncreas. De acordo com os resultados dos exames de sangue e os achados ultrassonográficos, optou-se pela laparotomia exploratória. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico foi coletado um fragmento pancreático para análise histopatológica. O resultado do histopatológico foi compatível com necrose pancreática multifocal moderada. Sendo assim, foi instituída antibióticoterapia com Enrofloxacina (5 mg/kg, BID, IM, durante 5 dias), analgesia com Cloridrato de Tramadol (2 mg/kg, BID, IV, durante 4 dias) e Betametasona (0,3 mg/kg, SID, IV). Após o início do tratamento com corticosteróide, o animal começou a apresentar melhora, voltando a se alimentar. Muitos casos são diagnosticados como pancreatite aguda ou crônica apenas por conta das alterações em enzimas pancreáticas e alterações ultrassonográficas em pâncreas, lançando mão do exame histopatológico, que é uma técnica mais elucidativa. Muito provável que a necrose pancreática não seja uma patologia de baixa incidência, e sim, pouco diagnosticada, devido às dificuldades em se realizar biópsia.

Combined intrastromal injection of ganciclovir and depot betamethasone for the management of nummular keratitis: Case series. / Inyección intraestromal combinada con ganciclovir y betametasona de depósito para el manejo de la queratitis numular: serie de casos.

Nummular keratitis is an inflammatory process of the cornea that is characterised by multiple sub-epithelial deposits, for which a variety of therapeutic approaches have been proposed. A retrospective review was performed using the medical records of patients diagnosed with nummular keratitis and treated with a combined intrastromal injection of ganciclovir and depot betamethasone between the years 2009 and 2017. A total of 21 eyes of 16 patients were finally included. Upon termination of the treatment, 18 eyes (85.71%) were asymptomatic. This improvement was maintained during a mean follow-up time of 22.90 months. Depot betamethasone mixed with ganciclovir by intrastromal application is a good alternative for the treatment of nummular keratitis.

Envenomation by an opisthoglyphous snake, Erythrolamprus aesculapii (Dipsadidae), in southeastern Brazil

Abstract Snakebites by aglyphous or opisthoglyphous snakes are common in Brazil. We report a case of snakebite by the opisthoglyphous Erythrolamprus aesculapii. The victim presented with pain, edema, and bleeding at the bite site, along with erythema, similar to a Bothrops envenomation. In this type of snakebite, if the snake is not brought to the hospital, the victim may receive unnecessary serum therapy, with the risk of adverse reactions to the antivenom. The possibility of reducing after-effects with anti-inflammatory drugs and early antibiotic therapy for secondary infection need to be further investigated, preferably in multicenter studies, while observing good clinical practice.

Belimumabe para lúpus eritematoso sistêmico / Belimumab for systemic lupus erythematosus

CONTEXTO: O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) é uma doença inflamatória crônica autoimune, multissistêmica, caracterizada pela produção de diversos autoanticorpos direcionados especialmente contra antígenos nucleares, geração de complexos imunes circulantes e ativação do sistema complemento, alguns dos quais causam lesão celular ou tecidual imunologicamente mediada. Atualmente, os tratamentos disponíveis no SUS são aqueles preconizados pelo Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) de LES. TECNOLOGIA: Belimumabe (Benlysta®). PERGUNTA: O uso do belimumabe associado à terapia padrão no tratamento de pacientes com LES é eficaz e seguro, quando comparado à terapia padrão (conforme preconizado no PCDT de LES)? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Conforme seus resultados, o belimumabe é superior ao placebo como tratamento adjunto à terapia padrão no melhor controle da atividade de doença de pacientes com LES ativo (exceto nefrite ativa e grave e manifestações com envolvimento neurológico) nas avaliações realizadas na semana 52 de tratamento. Somente um estudo avaliou a eficácia na semana 76 de tratamento, não mostrando diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos, demonstrando perda de efeito ao longo do tempo.Os principais eventos adversos foram artralgias, infecções do trato respiratório superior, cefaleia, fadiga e náuseas com perfil de segurança semelhante ao grupo placebo em todos os estudos. AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Foi construído um modelo de impacto orçamentário com base na população tratada pelo Componente Especializado da Asistência Farmacêutica (CEAF) para LES. A estimativa foi de R$ 124.053.662,63 no primeiro ano e de R$ 697.183.992,46 ao longo dos 5 primeiros anos após a incorporação. DISCUSSÃO: O presente relatório foi elaborado como parte da conduta de revisão do PCDT de LES e tem por objetivo avaliar as evidências de eficácia e segurança do belimumabe no tratamento de LES, a fim de embasar a avaliação da CONITEC a respeito de sua incorporação na versão atualizada do PCDT. Há evidência fraca (em virtude da perda da eficácia em 76 semanas e segurança de longo prazo) para sugerir a incorporação do belimumabe como terapia adjunta no tratamento de pacientes com LES com mais de 18 anos que não responderam a terapia padrão conforme previsto no PCDT de LES excetuando-se os pacientes com nefrite lúpica ativa grave ou com lúpus ativo grave do sistema nervoso central. RECOMENDAÇÃO DA CONITEC: Os membros presentes deliberaram que o tema fosse submetido à consulta pública com recomendação preliminar desfavorável à incorporação do belimumabe para lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foram recebidas 93 contribuições técnico-científicas e 372 contribuições de experiência e opinião durante o período de consulta pública, entre 22/09/2017 e 11/10/2017. Dentre as contribuições técnico científicas, 90% foram contrárias à recomendação da CONITEC, algumas contribuições ressaltaram os resultados positivos do belimumabe em estudos clínicos, também foram anexados estudos que avaliaram a custo-efetividade do medicamento. Das contribuições de experiência e opinião, 63% declararam ser contrárias à recomendação da CONITEC, foram relatadas experiências de pacientes com o medicamento incluindo opiniões sobre sua eficácia e efeitos adversos. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Aos 31 (trinta e um) dia do mês de janeiro de 2018, reuniu-se a Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no SUS ­ CONITEC, regulamentada pelo Decreto nº 7.646, de 21 de dezembro de 2011, e os membros presentes deliberaram por unanimidade recomendar a não incorporação do belimumabe para lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. Foi assinado o registro de deliberação nº 326/2018. DECISÃO: Não incorporar o belimumabe para lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. Dada pela Portaria nº 19, de 10 julho de 2018, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 123, seção 1, página 97.

Respiratory Compliance in Late Preterm Infants (340/7-346/7 Weeks) after Antenatal Steroid Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare respiratory compliance in late preterm infants (340/7-346/7 weeks) who received antenatal steroids vs matched late preterm infants who did not receive antenatal steroids. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center prospective cohort study. Patients were matched for birth weight, gestational age, race, and sex. Respiratory compliance was the primary outcome measured with the single breath occlusion technique. RESULTS: We studied 25 late preterm infants treated with antenatal steroids and 25 matched infants who did not receive antenatal steroids. The treated infants had a significantly increased respiratory compliance/kg (adjusted 95% CI 0.05, 0.49; P = .016) and fewer required continuous positive airway pressure (P = .007) or >24 hours of supplemental oxygen (P = .046). There was no difference in surfactant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory compliance was significantly increased in this cohort of late preterm infants born at 340/7-346/7 weeks who received antenatal steroids compared with matched infants who did not receive antenatal steroids. Although not randomized, these data provide physiologic support for the possible beneficial effects of antenatal steroids in late preterm infants.